Starlight drive in, October 25
And it stopped snowing in the early hours followed by rain, melting much of the snow but doing nothing for the cold weather but just being more clear. And a cool crispy air that burns your lungs yet enjoyable. I haven't been doing a lot, spent talking with my team mates and with the bartender, for lack of a better word. I did exercise too keep warm and not sweat since it would mean getting sick, and it's something to be avoided in the wastes. I find Johnny to have a more laid back mentality and more similar to me than Simon, all serious and not a sarcastic jerk. But still we spent the time talking about some thoughts
Long time ago I read this book about a natural order, about the stronger and weaker, to adapt and use your strengths to overcome any issue. Well most, since I'm freezing my ass out here. It's all about some kind of dominance , to know when to be, how and how much. Taking what you need and not worrying about the rest, even taking all you want if you can since that's the human nature. Things won't come around if you don't give them a good kick in the ass
After the bombs fell things changed by shape but not at core, either a politician or a gang boss the meaning is the same and the line between a pack of raiders and a somewhat lawful grup can be thin ... Sins, violence, instincts, logic , feelings are the two faced sides of nature as it has been and it should because it's in the nature of this world and humans alike
The end justifies the means as a writer said but not every time, it's like all the different shades of a color, all looking different yet belonging to the same base
"What are you looking at mister ?"
"Hm ?"
"That look you grown ups always have after something ! So boooring! " Yeah, yeah
"How are you?"
"Good ! Wanna play with me ? I can fight you with a stick and show you I'm strong ?" Ha, kids ...
"Sure, I wait you here" Well it beats standing around and freezing. He runs off and return with two tree branches
"Let's go there , in the open source people can see I beat your ass" I add with a wink
"No way ! I'm beating you and become the general !"
I did play with several minutes swinging it around and showing some basics, it's been some time since I did it, even if I periodically do it
"You really like to fight, me too !"
"Would like if I bring you baton and show you how to use it ?"
He smiles and just hop around. Have I done this as a kid too ? "Yes ! I want a gun too !"
"I could say you are having a bad influence on him" I turn around with a smile "Not my fault if I'm a natural with people"
"Funny guy, how didn't someone punch you yet ?"
"Oh they did, but aren't here now" They certainly did, I mean , can't blame them for their jealousy hehe. I get an eye roll
"Whatever ... Marcus, go for a walk close by, here get my caps and eat something. Grown ups business"
He is deflated "Oh alright..." Then points at me and mimics to fight "Don't run away you dirty mutant !" And he walks to the drive in building
"Listen, it's not bad my son plays that but he is just five ..."
"I know. You never know what happens, so teaching something useful is good, might come in handy"
"Well ... yeah. Can I offer you a cola ?"
"Sure, thanks" As I take the bottle I hear a guard loudly saluting the general and some others, which I see. All of his personal team plus Joe in a grey suit
"Sorry but I have to leave. I will come around soon, maybe take my dog too"
"You have a dog ?" The best one around
"Yes you will see it soon enough. I'm sorry to leave after this but ah ... Gotta go. Tell him I say bye" I fish in my pockets some caps and leave them on the counter before leaving to the general, his team well armed in various armour, rifles and sword plus Simon
"Morning general, I get my pack now" I salute and he returns "Sure thing kid, be quick"
I stuff the cola in the pack, check the rifle isn't frozen and return "Let's go to battle, my emperor !" He throws his head back and snorts,his greying goatee and relaxed airmaking contrast with the blue vestments and stern role "Alright people you heard the man, time to return to the Castle"
To my surprise even Joe was there because as he puts it, the citizens and environment of the Commonwealth are his business and reason to live. Not a bad idea, I wonder what he plans next. I even asked a detour of a day or two with the promise to catch up fast. I thought he'd be shooting me but he accepted much to the other's annoyance with Joe accepting to come with me, since he has business to tend to in the derelict mess called Goodneighbor. What kind of business does he have really, I know he is some kind of counsellor and some kind of figure to traders but still. We followed the river rather than going Downton, even being a large group and Simon having returned back to his duty
I look around, the ancient buildings creaking from the snow and rain and the warming weather setting in. With all the people I met during my life I don't think a lot of the are still alive, either scavengers, mercenaries and such
"So, why would you need a day ?"
"I need to check on my home and my dog. It's been around two weeks since I was there. And I check on some people too"
"Hm hm good enough reason, hope you meet us tomorrow. This brotherhood announcement made us more active on different fronts. Not that we already are"
"Don't worry Al me and all the settlements will help you as much as possible, I know some people too" Joe says and adds a squeeze of his shoulder
"Thank you, we won't forget your help in these years. We are more united and we are rebuilding"
They stop and spread out but I'm confused since nothing happens, still setting the rifle and crouch low "What happened ?" I get some bored and exasperated looks in return , the general pointing near the catwalk "Look there kid, walking food !"
I squint to see the difference in color, before the amphitheatre and catwalks are three mirelurks, green and moving. Softshells, easiest to deal with and to spot, unless you are around the swamps or Malden area. Or the harbour , even heard the Salem area is fucking full of them since some time. Fucking crabs are all along the coast or Islands but once cooked well, they're good
"Hey general, what about we see who kills more ? You keep what you shoot too"
When some sigh he laughs "Oh don't mindin' some exercise"
I grab rocks and throw then on the road near the critters hitting the water and road near them and they turn. I aim to the advancing critter face and shoot, shrieking and clutching it's face. The two advance fast and I shoot twice missing the face and wounding it
"Watch this" Two carbine shot kill the wounded creature and I shoot down the recovering one twice, focusing on the last one coming up. At the same time as my shit, two more pierce the softshell hide killing it. "Seen worse, but we'll eat well today"
We took as much meat as possible and left, a mirelurk and half being enough but you know ... Along the road we don't come across much until on the open road we see the twisted metals and gore bags, signs of mutants inside. Three of them
"Ok, I go in the front, Julian use your automatic to kill the muties, Gabriel and Joe with me. Johnny and the rest on the other side. Stay behind me Joe"
We round the corner finding two more, as the shooting starts and mutants come out they get shot by surprise, dying quickly as they charge blindly outside. We search the place, broken windows , twisted rebars and gore bags along butchered bodies and rotten meat. The mixed smell and closeness almost me throw up, bodies hanging from the upper floors and their blood dripping ... No prisoners or survivors
I found a cap stash, few grenades that I left to the heavy Julian and five clips of .38. A hundred and five shot total that I take, the rest having not much but some caps. Which will be used to buy drinks all together, fine by me !
Before the wreck full of dangers that is Goodneighbor and the surrounding skyscrapers, I stop by the fence "Uhh I will see you tomorrow general, I'm arrived"
"Will you come with us, Al ?"
"Why not old friend, drinks and a quick rest. Come on Badger" Must be the name of their team, various and by the name, the meanest bastards around. The last fight lasted what, thirty seconds ?
We step into the guarded and slightly regulated town, home of addicts and vice since before the war. New small buildings have been made I know, some more shacks to house the addicts and growing chems market
"Excuse me, I have to go to the Memory Den. Ulysses don't you come too ?"
"Alright"
"We will wait you two at the Third Rail , be careful around"
The rest of them still haven't said a word but look on better spirits, that Kyra and Johnny happier to the prospect of drinks.
I step inside the eccentric building, walls of bricks and long red drapes clinging to the walls and a long red carpet flanked by two lines of the reclining pods, leading to a red couch in the middle with a smiling woman lavishly lying on it "Well that's a nice surprise ..."
"Well hello girl, you look wonderful as always dear, is Amari around ?" Joe says and they handshake
"Oh such manners, yes darling, she's downstairs as usual"
"Thank you. Irma, this is my friend Ulysses" She looks like one of those strippers on the poster, heh I'd pay to see this place before the bombs
"You look familiar young man, have we met ?"
"Not sure, maybe met around here"
"Perhaps. Are you here to try our services ?"
"You do something medical right ? No I'm just passing through"
"The best chem to get addicted to dear. Alright, the doctor is downstairs"
We descend the stairs wooden and old like the walls to a small room with medical supplies and two of those pods with a woman in a lab coat. Looks like some chick I knew, hopefully not crazed as that
"Hello doctor"
"Oh hello, didn't expect you so soon"
"No worries, I have a package to send and a worker will give you the details"
"Alright. Is he with you ?"
"Yes you can say we are friends, we are passing through and I chose to introduce him this place and my ideas"
"I see ... I have a question for you, with your back pack and all, do you have a geiger counter ?" Weird question, but a useful tool. She asked that tentatively eying me
"What ? No I lost it but no"
"I see ... I will see you then Pr- Joe"
I make my way outside to the Third Rail when a bald guy with sunglasses enters inside bumping into me and apologising. Either drugs or rads already fucked his brain. Sunglasses in the dark, pfft
We passed the bodyguard at the entrance and entered the crowded bar, music and people loudly arguing over jet or money, and two of them getting into a fight. That's the spirit of this place. I found the general and his team near ... someone with a red coat and tricorn hat, mayor Hancock. Hope he's high enough to not recognise me. He turns around as well approach, wide grin on his charming face "Hello Joe my man, have some booze will ya ? You too kid"
How much time since I heard his voice ? Smooth as ever "Hello John, I hope you quit with chems"
"Heh not gonna happen man, gotta enjoy life" And that's anyone like about him, cool and easy going
"Come here kid, have some booze or chill with some jet, name's Hancock mayor of this social rejects paradise ! Drinks are on me Al, Hancock rewards any good guy who fights back"
I sit down and pour some whiskey attracting looks from the group, already having their share until the mayor speaks "Soo what you guys doin' here ? What can I do for you ?" They look relax in this place, yet attentive. The general, Albert, pours some beer and pats Hancock
"No problem John, we are going to the Castle. With this airship coming in, raiders an' I was called. Ain't nothing bad if you comin' too, who knows what's next for us"
"As long as it means protecting, leading my community from the Institute and others, I'm in brother"
"That's great John, we'll leave soon" He lifts his glass and each of us clicking them together "Cheers!"
"To the Commonwealth !"
After eying me for some time Hancock breaks the silence "Enjoying the whiskey I see, do you know me ? You look familiar"
Damn it "I don't know Hancock, any idea who I am ?"
"Still got that fire and attitude huh ? You caused a literal one last time. Like it though, thought you died in it or by some triggermen, got us something to think about you know ?" ALL of them are watching, thankfully the yelling and music drown the sound, only Joe and Albert watching differently
"Crossing one of those fucks? You got balls , but here ? That can kill you if I don't. Heard some of them went missing heh, not bad. You just don't repeat your mistake and remember who's in charge"
"What did he do John ?" Albert is now watching me intently as his team is, some caught off guard
"Heh something I would be proud of,him and someone else they tried to rob everything fromme and almost got away" Oh fuck no that looks they are giving me are really shocked, I may have a real fight If it goes wrong "Of course what they didn't know, Bobbi No Nose was decivin' them, him and another kid. They had the brain to give her what she deserved. Forgave them alright, it's been around three years, other kid's now one of those Marowski bosses, been weeks since I say him. Anyway my man this one's good, makes me want to go out and enjoy life. Heh nice job you did, less pawns around the main players"
"Ain't he full of surprises... Don't worry John, he's with us now not bad either. That's some good story for another time huh ? We gotta leave now"
The mayor get close "I did like you two punks, nice to see you back. You stay out of trouble and enjoy anything you want. You may be welcome but watch your back 'round here k ?"
"Did he really rob you ?" Kyra asks
"That was a good plan , I admit I was impressed. Got into my warehouse through underground tunnels below town ? Now that's planning. They had the brain to make the right choice though"
"What choice" Albert asks
"After getting through the metro tunnels and ghouls, I sent Fahrenheit there as a friendly reminder. They killed Bobbi and my Fahrenheit directed 'em to me, I thanked and forgave them then"
"Fuck man he got some balls, don't know if you choose different"
"Yup I agree, John here is a man of word and the coolest ghoul around"
Said ghoul whips a pack of mentats out and pops one "Heh anyone wants some ? Fine, more for me" I decline too
"I have balls and brains and you'd do the same. Bitch tried to attack us when we backed down and we killed her, fucking bosses deserve that too" I say
The redhead heavy not turns to me "If you got some brains you would know what happens"
"I did, it's in the past now. I will catch up tomorrow, got my dog to take back"
"So that's yours, was wandering around getting food like I get the ladies"
"Just like it's master, cool and funny"
I look at their frowning and thoughtful faces before they leave. That Gabriel doesn't talk for shit. Now get home and get my dog, maybe see my friend too. Getting into the renewed place outside the town, I slid the panel and unlocked the hidden door. Light filters in from the windows revealing the lonely and dusty place, ammo boxes and objects scattered on this floor. Same for the other one, full of ammo , weapons and components, all scavenged during the years. I open the windows and give it a quick clean before looking for my dog in the other place. After two fucking weeks no wonder
The scratching and barking from the inside is what I expected, when door was opened and it darted outside happily circling around me. Two weeks ... I see the figure of my friend's brother
"Hi ! How did you get in ?!"
"It's been a long time, you grown too I see"
"I do help around, I get to move heavy stuff for big brother. How have you been? I heard you were with him , after he was back I saw him nervous" My dog keeps moving and panting around for attention
"Ah well had a good time and I got paid. Could have gone real bad" And it almost did twice. With Dogmeat pushing on my leg I can't do anything than petting it and scratch it's fur. Ugh really needs a bath "Was it a good dog ?"
"Yes my brothers love it and it did scare some robbers out"
"Is it ?" Someone's getting a treat then
"Yes come in anyway, I'm almost done"
I enter their place an old building used as a storage , dirty with time and finished work. "We built something to keep the dust and unwanted away up this floor, what about you ? That gun and clothes ... "
"I'm with the minutemen now. I still hunt and scavenge and yes, I killed people so other people don't get killed. Where are your brothers? "
"Younger ones upstairs, Gregor and the last are working. The other storage with tools. Can't leave these two alone here"
"That's true. Mayor Hancock said I'm ok here unless I do something again. You would be annoyed if I shoot some robbers too so ..."
"Then fucking don't, talk it" Hmph talk when the bullets fly...
"I have something for you even if it's nothing, I'm going to the Castle after this airship came in and everyone is trying to know more"
"Let's go up, I'm sure it's something"
Inside the living area, blocked by a door, two children are now playing with my dog then go all around me eying my stuff "You came ! It's a long time did you bring something? Can we have your dog ?" "Can we play with your rifle ? What place you went -"
"Heey one at a time ! Yes I have something" Adding a wink "Something dark and sweet in glass ..." I remove my pack and said it's inside but they have to wait, while I sit on a couch
"Where were you for so long ? We thought you died ?"
"Oh yeah I did almost died. Once it was by mutants and then by some raiders. Ah some mirelurks too. They charged but they weren't good enough you see, now they're food. And ... I met the general in person"
"That's cool, I want too"
"Aah it's too funny, you screw up and die. Either you have luck or skill, lots"
I spent some time talking about this Brotherhood and the days it took to get here to the older one, when I see one touching my fucking rifle "NO ! FUCKING TOUCH !" I yell on instinct scaring the two and taking it "No don't touch it, it can shoot accidentally - holding it up - you can watch but no messing with it until you're older"
"So you teach us how to shoot ?!"
"Heh yes but only with a BB gun if I find it. Or some really -"
"No, don't. It will be in years"
"Fine, I can bring you some batons if you behave. So how long till they return ?"
"A few hours. You can stay here if you want"
"Hmm I got crab for everyone to eat and need some rest"
Looks like I arrived after their lunch and now being late afternoon, it's already dark. I spent the time telling them about the happenings of this month , tiredness setting in. They were surprised at how I get in here "Ah I met Hancock and he was almost fine with it since now I I'm with them"
"Hmm do you know anything about Jess ? He vanished after you left"
"Guess he was taken and replaced by the Institute" Adding some gesticulating and getting an eye roll and stares "Do they really do it ? But they can't get here right ? Where were you? "
"It's a long story again, I have some meat we can cook and the time to chat"
"Can you sleep here ? We got beds" A younger one asks
"If that's alright. But I can go home"
"Nah you can stay we have some beds"
"Alright. Like last time I got a vodka for us , a cola for them and another vodka for you in the pack"
I cut the meat on the stove, ready to roast it
"Uhhm you got lots of caps !"
"Got it from enslaving cities and razing them down yeah"
One presents me a bottle, dark and heavy "Can I drink -"
"No ! That's a molotov cocktail. It catches fire so don't. Touch. It. Take the cola instead" Geez these annoying kids, can't relax for shit
"Hey do you have time SMG ? I got some mags for you. There was a mutant nest close to the city soo ... people can sleep better now. I can tell you some about these weeks but let's eat first. And ... can you help me checking my rifle tomorrow? I'm not an expert ..."
The roasted crab was good - expecially after you know how to cook it - and the chatting was good. It makes me feel different, the vibe, the history and my dog. After we finished the vodka I get to the mattress behind the pillar, night and cold setting in on the top floor and fall asleep fast despite my head swarming with thoughts